STORM CHAOS: Rail delays as lines hit by floods and lightning

James Oxenham

Torrential rain and thunderstorms have caused disruption to railway lines across the south east this morning (Thursday June 23).

Network Rail has said lines into London Waterloo via Surbiton have been affected due to lightning striking the track.

Trains travelling on various south west suburban routes including Shepperton to Fulwell and Virginia Water to Weybridge have also been disrupted. Lines into London Victoria from East Croydon, and a variety of different metro routes in south east London, including those running via Bexleyheath and Blackheath are also experiencing problems due to last night’s weather.

Delays and cancellations on some routes into London are likely to continue into the morning rush hour, the rail provider added.

A Network Rail spokesman said: “It’s a very fast moving picture this morning, with flash floods still arising and others falling in a variety of different routes into London.

“In addition, we are dealing with the aftermath of lightning strikes at Surbiton, which is on the main line into Waterloo, and at Blackheath.

“Our advice to passengers in the South East this morning is to please check before you travel, either with your operator’s website or on National Rail Enquiries.

“Our staff have been out all night and are still out in the rain working with pumps and repairing damage, and we are doing all that we can to keep trains running.”

A Southern Rail spokesman said: “Services between London Victoria and Brighton are suspended.

“Services between London Victoria and Sutton and Epsom are suspended.

“Services between London Victoria and Caterham are suspended.

“Some trains will be terminating and starting from East Croydon.

“Some services to and from East Grinstead will run to and from London Bridge instead of London Victoria

“London Victoria to London Bridge services will be reduced, however where possible Southern will run these to and from Streatham Hill.

“Gatwick Express are currently suspended.”

Passengers can use Thameslink services and South West Trains on any reasonable route.

London Buses will also accept Southern tickets and London Midland are accepting tickets between London Euston and Milton Keynes Central.

The most notable incidents this morning include:

- Lightning strike at Surbiton on routes into Waterloo

- Wandsworth Common flooding, affecting routes into Victoria

- Flooding at Bexleyheath

- Lightning strike at Blackheath

- Flooding at Catford

- Flooding on the Redhill - Tonbridge line

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